The Kansas City Royals announced Monday that the club has requested release waivers on right-handed pitcher Luis Mendoza, who plans to pitch in Japan during the 2014 season.

Mendoza, 30, finished 2013 at 2-6 with a 5.36 ERA in 94.0 innings, which spanned 22 appearances.  He opened the season in the Royals’ rotation, making 15 starts, before moving to the bullpen just before the All-Star break.

Mendoza is 16-25 with a 5.39 ERA in seven Major League seasons between Kansas City and Texas.

— Royals Media Relations —